How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip?
Documents Required to Take a Cruise
Separating travel documents in advance is ideal to avoid any problems. For national or South American trips, you only need a photo ID. But beware: a driver’s license is not accepted! It is necessary to bring a passport valid for at least six months if it is for international travel. Besides, a visa is required for both countries of embarkation and disembarkation, as well as for those areas which are beyond reach during the trip. Another point that you should be aware of is the vaccination card. Some countries charge proof of vaccination against some diseases, so it is good to check beforehand. As much as the experience is pleasurable, many first-time adventurers go through complicated situations yet worth taking.
Oh, and minors under 18 who travel unaccompanied or without a parent need a permit. It can be done through the Federal Police website. The ideal is to request the form in advance, ok?
Travel Insurance for Cruise Ships
Traveling is an incredible experience, right? But safe travel is even better! And to have no worries, it is best to hire travel insurance which will serve as your best bud.
This is because although the ships have medical cabins, consultations and medicines are charged separately.
Oh, and if you are going to travel to Europe, remember that the Schengen Treaty remains valid even on the high seas. That is, it is mandatory to move assured. When hiring, pay attention to the policy and choose one that has good coverage. To find the best price, the tip is to use an insurance comparison. After all, nobody wants to pay more, right?
How to Check-in and Check-out Works?
Now that you have travel insurance and have your documents in hand, it’s time to travel. To avoid problems with boarding and disembarking, just follow the step by step:
Check-in online at least three days in advance. There you will fill out a form with all your information, and register your credit card. You will also find all information about the time and place of your departure.
Arrive in advance. On a cruise, the ideal is to arrive 30 minutes early to check your bags and organize the boarding queue.
Take your board card. Before boarding, you will receive your board card. Be very careful with this document! It acts as your identification throughout the trip (including when disembarking and embarking at the stops again). Besides, all extra expenses (drinks, shopping, excursions, etc.) will be recorded there.
Dress Code: What to take for a Cruise Trip?
Packing your suitcase is not always a pleasant task, and when we are talking about a cruise trip, it can be even more complicated.
To help you put the right parts in your suitcase and not carry extra luggage, we will give you some pretty good tips:
Define the Trip Period
In addition to knowing how long you will be on board, it’s essential to pay attention to whether you will be traveling in winter or summer.
Bring warm clothes With You: even if you are traveling in high summer, the idea is to take at least one cardigan because, inside the ship, the air conditioning is usually frigid.
Take a few pieces: you don’t have to take a huge suitcase. Two clothes for each day are enough.
Do not Forget the Swimsuits
Bring a Formal Dress
On many cruises, the famous ‘dinner with the captain’ takes place.
For this event, it is recommended that men wear suits and women wear long dresses. It’s not mandatory, but it’s refreshing to get in the mood, isn’t it?
What is not allowed to be taken on luggage on a cruise?
For this event, it is recommended that men wear suits and women wear long dresses. It’s not mandatory, but it’s refreshing to get in the mood, isn’t it?
Restriction rules vary from company to company, but some objects are prohibited in all, for example, firearms and sharp objects.
Besides, sporting goods such as surfboards, baseball bats, and others are also not allowed.
Oh, and if you are thinking of taking clothes, iron, hair straighteners, and thermal bags, know that they are not released.
Objects that emit heat are prohibited on boats; however, if you need to, you can request the ironing service on the ship. But stay tuned, as it is charged separately.
What have you Included in the Cruise?
Another point that deserves attention when making a cruise trip is to choose your type of tour. Some companies offer cruises all-inclusive; in others, you have to pay for food and drink separately.
Although most companies offer all meals already included in the package price, to consume in themed restaurants, it is necessary to pay separately.
Cruise Shipboard Expenses
Besides knowing the expenses included in the cruise trip, it is essential to understand what the company does not cover.
In general, companies do not cover gambling expenses at the casino—besides, tour packages to destinations where the vessel anchors are also sold separately. You can buy in advance with the companies, or close to the date, on the same ship. Oh, and if you want to shop, you can enjoy duty-free products with fewer taxes.
What Currency is used on Ships?
Upon entering the ship, you will receive a card. It will be the key to your cabin and also the payment method to consume inside the vessel.
The logic is the same as in a hotel, you speak your cabin number, and they enter the amount in your account. At the end of the trip, you make the payment. You can use an international prepaid card or international credit card if you want to spend at the ship’s stores. But stay tuned with the IOF; it is usually a hassle at the end of the trip.
What to do at the Stops?
The stops are usually the most awaited moment for tourists, as they can visit new places.
The tip is to get off the ship and enjoy every minute in the city. However, be aware of the time of boarding and disembarking.
But if you are lazy, no problem. The boats have so many attractions that it is impossible to get bored inside.
How do the Cellphone and Internet work on the Ship?
But don’t worry, all ships currently have WI-FI on board for an additional fee. You can buy in advance or inside the boat itself. However, the sea’s connection is usually slower, so the tip is to disconnect and enjoy the trip.
Take the Primary Medicines and Medications.
When packing, the medications can’t be left out, right?
This is an item that deserves extra attention, as in some countries, it is only possible to buy medicines with presentation and retention of a prescription in the local language.